The General History of Earthquakes by Nathaniel Crouch

This antiquarian book, dating all the way from 1694, is one of many seventeenth century books in our collection. If you are looking for something interesting and rare to add to your shelf, then you are in the right place.

The General History of Earthquakes describes various volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and makes note of particular mountains and geographical discoveries: each story or recount is numbered, going up to sixty-four. Section forty-one, for example, tells the tale of 'a great Earthquake in Italy; The shape of an Elephant was seen in the Air and three Suns. Armies fighting, Monstrous births, Waters turned into bloud [sic], unusual and impetuous Tempests which overthrew several Towers.' (p. 67). A fascinating convergence of science and religion can be found in this book, providing an excellent insight into the exploration of history and geography in the late 1600s.

The full title of this book (with all its seventeenth century grammatical irregularities) is: ‘The General History of Earthquakes being An Account of the most Remarkable and Tremendous Earthquakes that have happened in divers parts of the World, from the Creation to this time; As they are recorded by Sacred and Common Authors; And perticularly those lately in Naples, Smyrna [area in now west Turkey], Jamaica and Sicily. With a description of the famous burning Mount Ætna, in that Island; And a Relation of the several dreadful Conflagrations and Fiery Irruptions thereof for many Ages. Likewise the Natural and Material Causes of Earthquakes, with the usual Signs and Prognosticks of their approach; And the Consequents and Effects that have followed several of them. By R.B.’

This lengthy title gives the reader a good insight to the contents of the book before delving into its seismic speculations, but the mysterious identity behind the initials ‘R.B.’ at the end of the title page still looms.

R.B. was a pseudonym for the historian and bookseller Nathaniel Crouch (his name is printed with the publication information in this book). He was a seventeenth century bookseller who wrote a number of historical texts, and was published was a writer under the initials R.B. He was a notable historian and bookseller of his time, who has unfortunately become veiled by history, but we still know more about him than most booksellers of that period.

This 12mo, first edition of The General History of Earthquakes from 1694 is in fair condition. The folding woodcut frontispiece depicting the 1692 earthquake in Jamaica is missing from this copy (Forum auctions had a complete copy with faults, the only known complete copy sold in the last 40 years). The book is in its original binding, even though it is quite worn and there is a small hole through the front board. The rear and front paste downs are missing. It is being sold for £500.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, or would like more information on other items we sell, then please get in contact with us by calling us on 01753 855534, emailing us at sales@mainlybooks.co.uk, or come visit us in store in Eton! Please refer to our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach us.